Norfolk, Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer

Skilled Criminal Defense Attorney for Clients in Norfolk

Getting charged with a crime can be stressful, and depending on the case, there may be significant personal stakes for you. If you have been accused of a misdemeanor or felony violation, the best thing you can do is to reach out to an attorney early in your case. A Norfolk criminal defense attorney can represent you in front of a judge and explore possible legal strategies.

At Castellano Law Firm PLLC, we have experience representing clients in jury trials. Attorney Vincent Castellano will work with you one-on-one to make sure you understand your options, so you can rest assured your case will be handled with care and diligence.

Have You Been Arrested for a Violent Crime?

Violent crime charges in Norfolk carry serious consequences, and the range of offenses that fall under that category is broader than many people expect. Assault and battery, malicious wounding, robbery, and homicide crimes all qualify as violent offenses under Virginia law, and each comes with its own set of penalties and legal considerations.

A basic assault and battery conviction is a Class 1 misdemeanor, but the charge can escalate quickly depending on the circumstances. Robbery is a felony regardless of what was taken, and the presence of a firearm during the offense adds mandatory prison time on top of the underlying sentence. Homicide charges range from involuntary manslaughter to first-degree murder, with sentencing exposure that reflects the gravity of each classification.

The facts behind a violent crime charge are critical. Eyewitness accounts are not always reliable, physical evidence has to be properly gathered and handled, and self-defense is a recognized legal defense in Virginia when the circumstances support it.

DUI Representation in Norfolk

A DUI charge in Norfolk is a criminal matter, not a traffic ticket. Virginia sets the standard BAC limit at 0.08 percent for most drivers, with significantly lower thresholds for commercial drivers and drivers under 21. Drug impairment can also support a DUI charge, and for certain controlled substances, defined blood concentration levels can trigger a charge without any visible signs of impairment.

The stop itself, the administration of any field sobriety tests, and the accuracy of breathalyzer or blood test results are all areas that can be examined as part of a DUI defense. A stop that lacked proper legal justification, can affect what evidence the prosecution is able to use.

Defending Clients Facing Sex Crime Accusations

Sex crime charges in Norfolk range from misdemeanor sexual battery to rape, and all of them carry the potential for prison time, a permanent criminal record, and mandatory sex offender registration. The consequences of a conviction extend well beyond the sentence itself and can affect housing, employment, and personal relationships for years.

Child sex crime charges, including child pornography offenses, carry their own severe consequences. Possession of material depicting a minor in a sexual manner is a felony, and each image or file can be charged as a separate count. Production and distribution charges carry the potential for up to 20 years in prison per count. Federal authorities frequently investigate these cases alongside state law enforcement, which can compound the exposure a person faces significantly.

An accusation is not a conviction. Consent, the credibility of the allegations, the circumstances of the investigation, and whether law enforcement followed proper procedures are all relevant to how a defense is built. In cases where allegations arise from a personal conflict or a complicated relationship history, the full context of what happened deserves to be part of the record.

Contact a Norfolk, VA Criminal Defense Lawyer

The sooner an attorney is involved in a criminal case, the more options tend to be available. Call 757-724-0073 or contact our Norfolk, Virginia criminal defense attorney today to set up a free consultation with Castellano Law Firm PLLC.